AFP ready to secure Monday’s village polls

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is more than ready to secure Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKEs).

This was emphasized by AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Sunday.

"After a series of deliberate planning conferences that include contingent events, the measures, and the resources to address the same, the AFP is all set for (Monday's) Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKEs)," Arevalo said.

He also pointed out that the AFP has yet to monitor any security threat in connection with Monday's polls.

"Thus far, there are no serious threats monitored in regard to the conduct of elections. Nonetheless, contingency measures were laid out including the deployment of sufficient number of specially trained and equipped AFP personnel in Commission on Election (Comelec)-identified red areas," he added.

The AFP spokesperson added that its involvement in securing the BSKEs will not affect its other security activities.

"Despite our active involvement in the BSKE however, the AFP compliments its election duties with focused combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations. That is to help ensure that no unscrupulous individuals or groups -- be they private armed, local terrorists, or Communist terrorist groups -- take advantage or hamper the conduct of the elections," he further disclosed.

"A peaceful, orderly, and honest BSKE is of particular significance to the AFP. By securing the people to go out and reflect their will in the ballots, we are assured of barangays that will partner with the AFP in bringing about peace and stability in the countryside," Arevalo concluded. (PNA)

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